- Must visit
National Museum
Prague’s principal museum on Wenceslas Square, known for its grand Neo-Renaissance building and broad natural history, history, and culture collections.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$138
Fastest journey
8 h 54 m
Average duration
9 h
Trains per day
14
Distance
542 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Prague is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Prague will cost around $138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Prague without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
ICE 849 · rj 385
ICE 847 · RJ 177
ICE 847 · rj 177
ICE 845 · RJ 383
ICE 849 · rj 385
ICE 849 · RJ 385Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Prague among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 336 miles (542 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $213 Average price | $137 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 54m Average total duration 8h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 0m Average total duration 10h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Prague:
A bus is $25 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Prague costing on average $87 (€71).
A bus is $151 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Prague costing on average $213 (€174).
Other travel options to Prague take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 24m.
Bus takes on average 10h 30m.
Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $137 (€112) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€41). The journey takes 8h 24m versus 7h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Prague trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 543 · rj 175 | On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h56 | 3:15 PM Prague-Holešovice | 1 transfer | |
ICE 543 · RJ 175 | Delayed 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h56 | 1:23 PM 1:23 PMPrague-Holešovice | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 10h36 | 7:40 PM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 1 transfer | |
ICE 545 · RJ 383 | Delayed 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 8h06 | 3:30 PM 3:30 PMPrague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 545 · rj 383 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 8h06 | 5:25 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 · rj 177 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h56 | 7:15 PM Prague-Holešovice | 1 transfer | |
ICE 547 · RJ 177 | Delayed 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 7h56 | 5:23 PM 5:23 PMPrague-Holešovice | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 10h30 | 11:35 PM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 1 transfer | |
ICE 549 · rj 385 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 8h06 | 9:25 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 549 · RJ 385 | Delayed 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 8h06 | 7:36 PM 7:36 PMPrague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 941 · RJ 179 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 9h10 | 11:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 941 · rj 179 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 9h10 | 11:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 641 · rj 179 | On time 3:19 PM Essen Hbf | 8h12 | 11:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 641 · RJ 179 | On time 3:19 PM Essen Hbf | 8h12 | 11:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 149 · NJ 457 | On time 3:54 PM Essen Hbf | 8h32 | 12:26 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 149 · NJ 457 | On time 3:54 PM Essen Hbf | 8h32 | 12:26 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 3:56 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 11h44 | 3:40 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 10h26 | 3:30 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 9h11 | 2:15 AM Prague, Central Train Station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 947 · rj 479 | On time 8:21 PM Essen Hbf | 9h04 | 5:25 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 947 · RJ 479 | On time 8:21 PM Essen Hbf | 9h04 | 5:25 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 617 · EC 459 | On time 9:00 PM Essen Hbf | 12h25 | 9:25 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
ICE 617 · EC 459 | On time 9:00 PM Essen Hbf | 12h25 | 9:25 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Essen to Prague run on average 12 times per day, taking around 8h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 336 miles (542 km) distance in 7h 56m.
Distance 336 miles (542 km) |
Average train duration 8h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 7h 56m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Prague — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Prague trip today.
Prague’s principal museum on Wenceslas Square, known for its grand Neo-Renaissance building and broad natural history, history, and culture collections.
A significant museum complex preserving Jewish history and heritage through synagogues, ceremonial objects, and exhibitions in Josefov.
A highly regarded design museum with glass, ceramics, fashion, graphics, and decorative arts in a historic building near the Old Town.
Prague’s ceremonial heart, surrounded by historic facades, churches, and major landmarks; essential for first-time visitors.
A picturesque historic district below Prague Castle with baroque streets, embassies, gardens, and a romantic atmosphere.
A major boulevard-like square central to modern Czech history, shopping, and public life, anchored by the National Museum.
Marinated beef sirloin with creamy root-vegetable sauce, bread dumplings, cranberry, and whipped cream. It is one of the best-known classic Czech festive dishes.
Roast pork served with dumplings and braised cabbage. This is a cornerstone of traditional Czech home-style cooking and pub menus.
Czech-style goulash is usually a rich beef stew with onions, paprika, and bread dumplings. It is a hearty staple often eaten in historic Prague pubs.
Established traditional restaurant known for duck, old-Bohemian recipes, and elegant historic interiors. A strong choice for a refined Czech meal.
Well-known Old Town restaurant offering polished Czech classics and seasonal dishes in a stylish but approachable atmosphere.
A famous modern Czech beer hall serving classic dishes, fresh Pilsner, and dependable traditional cooking in a lively central setting.
Moderate by European standards. Beer, transit, and casual meals are good value; central hotels cost more.
About 10% in restaurants for good service, often rounded up. Tip taxis modestly by rounding up. No tip needed for counter service, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Prague hlavní nádraží -> Old Town Square, Prague
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Prague by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Prague, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Prague trains use the Essen Hbf to Praha hlavní nádraží station pair, with some services arriving at Praha-Holesovice. Use this guide to compare Essen and Prague train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha-Holesovice is 2 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Holesovice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Kovárně, Cross Club
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha-Holesovice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha-Holesovice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Holesovice: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Mama Shelter Prague, Plaza Alta Hotel, Hotel Belvedere.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need